Macbeth Character Traits Essay Example

While most people have positive things to say about the Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth, many others have opposite views on his character. He is perceived as gullible, amoral, and cowardly. By telling him two prophecies that were already true, the witches were easily able to make gullible Macbeth believe that the third prophecy, that he would become king one day, would also come true. This is evident through Macbeth’s own words, “Two truths are told,/ As happy prologues to the swelling act/ Of the imperial theme” (1.3.130-132). Not only did the witches persuade Macbeth to take certain actions; so did Lady Macbeth. She took advantage of her husband’s naivety by manipulating him. Macbeth’s statement, “I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent” (1.7.25-26), confirms that initially, Macbeth did not intend to kill Duncan. After Lady Macbeth manipulated him into carrying out Duncan’s murder by insulting him, Macbeth gives in and says, “I am settled, and bend up/ Each corporal agent to this terrible feat” (1.7.79-80).

Another well-known trait of Macbeth is his amorality. It is considerably clear that Macbeth is a selfish and shallow person. When the title Thane of Cawdor was bestowed upon him, Macbeth immediately thinks of killing Duncan. According to Macbeth, the king’s death will result in quicker fulfillment of his third prophecy given by the witches: Macbeth becoming king. He asks himself, “If good, why do I yield to that suggestion/ Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair” (1.3.137-138). Furthermore, Macbeth’s flawed moral compass is apparent, yet again, when Lady Macbeth convinces him to kill Duncan for his personal gain. Macbeth betraying someone he is loyal to, for his benefit, confirms that he is incapable of determining right from wrong. 

Macbeth’s fellow soldiers think of him as brave and fierce; however, he possesses cowardly traits. Lady Macbeth’s words, “Art not without ambition, but without/ The illness should attend it.” (1.5.18-19), illustrate that although Macbeth has ambition, he lacks the aggression needed to achieve his criminal goals. Macbeth is constantly criticized by his wife for his cowardice. She points out that there is something he desires, but is too weak to do it for himself and wants someone else to do it for him. In addition to this, Lady Macbeth’s words to him, “Which thou esteem’st the ornament of life,/ And live a coward in thine own esteem,/ Letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would,’/ Like the poor cat i’th’adage?” (1.7.42-45) further prove that Macbeth is a coward. Thus, it can be concluded that Macbeth is a more intricate and flawed individual than he is perceived to be.